Overview
In Granite City, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even. With the potential savings on electricity bills, along with incentives and rebates available, switching to solar power can be a smart investment for Granite City residents.
Granite City Illinois Weather Trends
Granite City Precipitation
With Granite City receiving 53.05 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the area has a decent amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, Granite City’s precipitation levels are quite favorable. This means that solar panels in Granite City would have an ample supply of rainwater to help keep them clean and functioning efficiently.
Granite City’s UV Rating
Granite City’s average UV rating of 4.56 in the last year is higher than both the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21. With an average max UV rating of 4.97, Granite City’s potential for harnessing solar energy is impressive. The higher UV rating means that solar panels in Granite City will be able to generate more electricity, making them a worthwhile investment for residents looking to save on their energy bills.
Granite City’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 40% cloud cover in the last year, Granite City’s skies are relatively clear compared to the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%. With a significant number of days having minimal cloud cover, solar panels in Granite City can efficiently capture sunlight to produce electricity. This makes it an ideal location for residents to transition to solar power.
Granite City Illinois Electricity Costs
With Granite City residents paying about $0.1/kw for electricity, they are already below both the national average of $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw. By generating their electricity through solar panels, residents can further reduce their electricity costs and even potentially earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid. Making the switch to solar power in Granite City can lead to substantial long-term savings and benefits for both the environment and their wallets.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Granite City Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Granite City, Illinois, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.
First, let’s look at the weather data:
- Granite City receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Granite City are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Granite City is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Granite City pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using solar power.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.
To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:
- The solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
- With Granite City’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost of the solar panels.
After calculating the numbers, it looks like it could take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Granite City. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and eventually pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so the savings will continue for many years after the break-even point. Installing solar panels is a great way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Granite City Illinois
Installing solar panels in Granite City, Illinois can be a smart investment for residents. With favorable weather conditions including ample sunlight and lower electricity costs compared to national averages, residents can expect to break even on their solar system installation in about 7-8 years. After this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will accumulate, making the transition to solar power a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for Granite City residents.